AB 831 Unanimously Passed

The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 831 on September 9, 2025, with an unanimous 36-0 vote. The measure prohibits dual-currency sweepstakes casinos, citing their similarity to real-money gaming.


To resolve issues, the bill now exempts traditional advertising sweepstakes and marketing contests active during the vote. The Senate's passage sends out the expense to the Assembly for concurrence.


If authorized, it proceeds to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. With this vote, California edges toward ending up being the largest state to forbid sweepstakes casinos.


AB 831: Tribes and Groups That Rallied Against its Passing


Despite broad support, AB 831 drew singing opposition from people and market groups alike. Notably, four smaller sized people objected at the California State Capitol. These are:


Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation
Sherwood of Pomo Indians
Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
Big Lagoon Rancheria


Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), condemned AB 831 as "a flawed and hurried bill that does not have broad tribal consensus." He emphasized that it would "restrict financial choices readily available to people and worsen already delicate financial conditions."


Meanwhile, Eric Wright of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation added, "For communities long overlooked and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury, it's a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline."


Big Lagoon Rancheria also officially opposed the legislation. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, they alerted that the expense threatened tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and criticized its development via a "gut-and-amend" process.


These groups warned that AB 831's excessively broad language could criminalize daily marketing activities, interrupt lawful sweepstakes and ads, stifle innovation, and undermine customer defenses.


Legislative Crossroads and National Implications


Now that AB 831 cleared the Senate, the Assembly should consider amendments before the legal session concludes. If Governor Newsom signs it, California will set a precedent likely to ripple throughout the United States.


Yet tribal opposition and advocacy group resistance may still influence amendments or future policymaking.


AB 831's development may motivate comparable legislation in other states. While a number of states currently restrict sweepstakes gambling establishments, California's size makes this a pivotal moment. If enacted, the costs could improve how sweepstakes casinos run nationally.


Ultimately, AB 831 marks a vital point for sweepstakes gambling establishments and tribal economic policy. It draws sharp lines between tribal sovereignty, state policy, online gaming, and marketing liberties.